Episode Transcript
Welcome back to "Abby's Breath of Hope." In our previous episode, we delved into the harrowing night of medical negligence that Abby endured in Amherst, Nova Scotia.
We detailed how the failure to follow critical medical protocols led to a dire escalation of Abby's condition, culminating in a lifelong diagnosis of Non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis.
We discussed the oversight and neglect by healthcare professionals that night, the emotional toll on our family, and the systemic issues that allow such negligence to occur.
Abby's story is not just a recounting of events; it's a rallying cry for accountability and change within our medical systems to ensure no other child suffers as she has.
I’m JC, Abby’s grandfather, and today’s episode is one that touches the core of our hearts. As we navigate through Abby's ongoing health challenges, her spirit and resolve teach us the true meaning of strength.
Abby’s Week in Review
This week, Abby’s pain and discomfort have escalated, pushing her bedtime later and leaving her exhausted, emotional, and scared. Despite these hurdles, she’s kept up with her homeschooling, though her activities have been understandably minimal.
A Song for the Soul
This week brought a deeply resonant moment, as Abby asked me to learn and record Cooper Alan's "Never Not Remember You." This request comes from a place of profound concern; Abby fears she might not be remembered if she passes away prematurely—a fear that stems directly from the medical neglect she suffered.
Originally, Abby connected with Cooper Alan through his song "Feel Like Hell Today," which she'd listen to after draining medical appointments and stressful news. This song marked the beginning of her attachment to his music, capturing the emotional turmoil she endured during those visits.
Recently, "Never Not Remember You" has taken on a significant meaning for her. Abby asked me to sing and record it not just to ensure we never forget her, but also to hear if I could carry the tune the way she imagines it.
Just so you know, this isn't about creating drama or drawing on emotions for the sake of it; it's about highlighting the stark reality of how her life has been unfairly altered by one night of medical failure.
No child should ever have to worry about their mortality in the midst of their youth. They should be free to run and play, to attend school, to endure the common cold without fear of dire consequences.
Yet, Abby faces a starkly different reality due to a medical professional's critical oversight, and the subsequent refusal of the system to acknowledge their role in her plight. It's incomprehensible—children face life-altering diseases and conditions through no fault of their own, and that is traumatic enough, but to have their fate so negligently altered by those sworn to protect them is an unforgivable breach of trust.
How can a healthcare system, designed to heal, turn away and say, "Not our fault, you deal with it"? This is the question we carry with us every day as we fight for Abby and for every child whose life has been impacted by similar failings.
Abby’s Resilience
Even in the face of such challenges, Abby remains a force to be reckoned with. Her candid and matter-of-fact discussion about her fears and hopes showcases her incredible personality and willpower. She continues to be a powerhouse of emotions and wisdom, far beyond her years.
Further Updates and Abby’s Current Challenges:
In our ongoing journey to find justice and better care for Abby, we've finally seen a possible ray of hope. We have found a lawyer who is ready to hear Abby’s story and truly listen. We're scheduled to meet next week, and our hope is to finally begin a meaningful legal challenge against those responsible for Abby's suffering. Now yes we have been through this with other law firms however this time seems to be different in that a lawyer is actually willing to take the time to listen instead of the intake staff being the mediator between us and the lawyer.
We will update you next week about this process for sure – the fact the law firm is in another province could be very helpful but we aren’t feeling excited yet as we have been down a similar path , but this one seems a bit different so keeping hope.
In a twist that's hard to digest, the executive who was in charge during Abby's initial mishandling has been promoted to a prestigious position within the healthcare system. This development has only fueled our determination to fight harder for accountability and change within a system that seems all too ready to reward rather than reprimand.
Seeking broader avenues for action, I personally submitted a formal complaint to a government agency known for advocating for children’s rights. The response was encouraging. The person handling our case, a mother herself, was deeply moved by Abby’s plight and has committed to doing everything within her power to ensure our concerns are taken seriously. Though this agency cannot pursue compensation, their investigation could lead to significant systemic changes, preventing such negligence from recurring.
Abby's week has been particularly tough. The demands on her little body have increased—requiring her breathing machine up to three times a day and nightly pain medication to manage the persistent pain in her lungs, which she describes as chest pain. Heartbreakingly, even moments of joy and laughter with her brothers are cut short by sudden breathlessness, necessitating immediate medical intervention. Watching these episodes is excruciating; it is a stark reminder of the everyday impacts of medical negligence on Abby’s quality of life.
These updates, while mixed with hope and continued challenges, underscore the complexity of our fight and the dire need for systemic reform. As we navigate these new developments, our resolve only strengthens, fueled by the support and solidarity of our listeners and the broader community.
Thank you for joining us on "Abby's Breath of Hope." Abby’s story is one of bravery, love, and the unyielding spirit of a child who faces each day with courage. Let her story be a call to action for all of us to advocate for better healthcare, to support those in need, and to cherish every moment with our loved ones.
Please share this episode and help us spread Abby's message far and wide. Your support can change lives. Remember, Abby’s journey is our journey—full of hope, fight, and the promise of a better tomorrow.
Join us next Friday as we continue to share updates and stories that inspire change and bring hope. Until then, hold your loved ones close, and keep fighting for what’s right.
Visit Abby’s GoFundMe page to support her journey to better healthcare and a brighter future. Every share, every contribution makes a monumental difference. Together, we can ensure Abby's voice is heard and her fight is never forgotten.
